Nine initiates have died in the Eastern Cape since the start of the summer season in November, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. Communities near Kariega report rising fear as the traditional rite becomes entangled with violence, neglect, and criminal opportunism.

Survivors say some camps are plagued by hunger, while criminals reportedly target children carrying food to the sites. A Kwanobuhle task team has moved into hotspot areas and police have arrested 24 suspects linked to deaths and related attacks.